Inside enclosure for red foot tortoise

[cfoster0556]

hello everyone,

My name is Chris and I am new to the forum. I’ve been doing tons of research on here and looking at custom building a enclosure for a new red foot tortoise. I want to have everything well and setup before adopting one. I’ve see. Numerous threads for lighting humidity temperature etc but have not seen anything about enclosures. I know once the tortoise gets bigger he will need to be outside more but for the next 4-5 years the tortoise will need to be inside. I am a carpenter so I can build whatever is necessary or if there is a enclosure pre built that would get the job done let me know. I understand inside is highly frowned upon but im very passionate about adopting one and I feel I can give what the tortoise needs until it’s time to have something outside. The main issue is with us moving. Current landlord will not let us make any modifications outside so I’m improvising. Any info or links is greatly appreciated. My apologies for the long read

 

[RandyTortoise]

hello everyone,

My name is Chris and I am new to the forum. I’ve been doing tons of research on here and looking at custom building an enclosure for a new red foot tortoise. I want to have everything well and setup before adopting one. I’ve see. Numerous threads for lighting humidity temperature etc but have not seen anything about enclosures. I know once the tortoise gets bigger he will need to be outside more but for the next 4-5 years the tortoise will need to be inside. I am a carpenter so I can build whatever is necessary or if there is an enclosure pre built that would get the job done let me know. I understand inside is highly frowned upon but im very passionate about adopting one and I feel I can give what the tortoise needs until it’s time to have something outside. The main issue is with us moving. Current landlord will not let us make any modifications outside so I’m improvising. Any info or links is greatly appreciated. My apologies for the long read

I have an enclosed chamber which is great for redfoots and their need for higher humidity. Here is a photo. I got it from a member here Mark. Comes in a giant pallet and then literally slips together with no tools and has everything I needed, lights, heat, temp and iPhone app for controls.

 

[wellington]

The enclosure listed above is for babies. Not sure if it will last as long as you think it will as far as the tortoises size.

 

[wellington]

I have an enclosed chamber which is great for redfoots and their need for higher humidity. Here is a photo. I got it from a member here Mark. Comes in a giant pallet and then literally slips together with no tools and has everything I needed, lights, heat, temp and iPhone app for controls.

Do you have RF? That enclosure wouldn't last my leopards upto 4-5 years of age when I was raising them, it would be too small.

 

[RandyTortoise]

Do you have RF? That enclosure wouldn't last my leopards upto 4-5 years of age when I was raising them, it would be too small.

It is 8 feet by four feet and I have another expansion still in the box for up to 12 feet long. It is a winter enclosure

 

[Tortellini0000]

hello everyone,

My name is Chris and I am new to the forum. I’ve been doing tons of research on here and looking at custom building an enclosure for a new red foot tortoise. I want to have everything well and setup before adopting one. I’ve see. Numerous threads for lighting humidity temperature etc but have not seen anything about enclosures. I know once the tortoise gets bigger he will need to be outside more but for the next 4-5 years the tortoise will need to be inside. I am a carpenter so I can build whatever is necessary or if there is an enclosure pre built that would get the job done let me know. I understand inside is highly frowned upon but im very passionate about adopting one and I feel I can give what the tortoise needs until it’s time to have something outside. The main issue is with us moving. Current landlord will not let us make any modifications outside so I’m improvising. Any info or links is greatly appreciated. My apologies for the long read

Iv read a lot on this forum that pvc enclosed chamber enclosures are the best! If you’re a carpenter ( so is my husband) I’m sure you could build one! Search in the search box for threads related to DIY pvc enclosures. Hopefully you can get some ideas

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hi! As mentioned above, pvc enclosures are definitely the best starter option. Funnily enough I’ll be putting together a tutorial together on a diy pvc viv my friend @Squirt the Dalmation is putting together, but I can’t say when it’ll be up

Hopefully these threads will be good for you to go over if you haven’t already

This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for red foots(only way to maintain the humidity you need indoors), appropriately maintaining the humidity(they are prone to shell rot so this is important! No misters or humidifiers), safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, a diet list and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers, maybe some of them will inspire an idea for a build

Young red foot/ cherryhead set up

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information on an effective example of a starter enclosure for a red foot/cherry head😊 Care advice for these guys is painfully behind, fb pages, YouTube, pet stores, they’re all repeating the same outdated advice, this forum is made of...

tortoiseforum.org

There’s lots of different closed chamber ideas in here, pvc vivs being the most efficient

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Hope they help! I’ll definitely be sharing the tutorial on the forum once it’s uploaded

 

[COmtnLady]

Welcome to the Forum!

I really respect that you are wanting to get the enclosure established before getting the tortoise! That deserves a gold star!

RedFoots are a tropical species and need to have consistent 84% humidity - or higher, and 84F/29C or higher temps, all the time. Your tortoise will be able to spend some time outside, but your climate won't allow it to actually live outside and thrive. Be prepared to have it be inside most of its life.
(My climate is worse than yours so my RedFoot only gets occasional visits outside.)

Make the largest enclosure you can. If you get a hatchling, something smaller will do for the first year or two. An adult needs as much space as you can provide. 4" x 8" is a bare minimum. They need to walk around a lot to digest food well. And they need to have soaking spots in the enclosure, too (water dishes as deep as where their top and bottom shell come together and big enough across to easily turn around in - terracotta plant saucers are best). Plus hiding places. Bigger is always better.


They are a beautiful species! Looking forward to chatting for many years to come.

 

[cfoster0556]

I have an enclosed chamber which is great for redfoots and their need for higher humidity. Here is a photo. I got it from a member here Mark. Comes in a giant pallet and then literally slips together with no tools and has everything I needed, lights, heat, temp and iPhone app for controls.

That is awesome. If you don't mind me asking about how much would this cost?

 

[RandyTortoise]

That is awesome. If you don't mind me asking about how much would this cost?

The enclosure has all the electronics, uvb lighting, heating pads and is the largest available with two units hooked together. Each unit was approximately $800. Plus shipping was very high
But totally worth it.

 

[cfoster0556]

The enclosure has all the electronics, uvb lighting, heating pads and is the largest available with two units hooked together. Each unit was approximately $800. Plus shipping was very high
But totally worth it.

Honestly, not that bad. I am curious with the cost of materials these days would it be cheaper to purchase that instead? Love the layout of it. So everything was included to where you just had to get the amenities inside for your tortoise to make it homey?

 

[cfoster0556]

Hi! As mentioned above, pvc enclosures are definitely the best starter option. Funnily enough I’ll be putting together a tutorial together on a diy pvc viv my friend @Squirt the Dalmation is putting together, but I can’t say when it’ll be up

Hopefully these threads will be good for you to go over if you haven’t already

This housing thread covers correct equipment(uvb, heating bulbs, lighting etc), correct levels, importance of a closed chamber for red foots(only way to maintain the humidity you need indoors), appropriately maintaining the humidity(they are prone to shell rot so this is important! No misters or humidifiers), safe substrates, there’s lots of visual examples for everything, a diet list and a really handy diet link to check out! If going with a greenhouse, the lower the ceiling height, whilst still allowing for recommended bulb height, the better! But I’ll add some more ideas below for closed chambers, maybe some of them will inspire an idea for a build

Young red foot/ cherryhead set up

Hello there! In this thread I’m going to include some information on an effective example of a starter enclosure for a red foot/cherry head😊 Care advice for these guys is painfully behind, fb pages, YouTube, pet stores, they’re all repeating the same outdated advice, this forum is made of...

tortoiseforum.org

There’s lots of different closed chamber ideas in here, pvc vivs being the most efficient

Visual inspiration

Hi guys! I’ve had some lovely messages complimenting me on my care sheets I made for all the visuals they include! That makes me so happy because as a visual learner myself, that was my goal🥰 I’ve recently had some requests for some more visual inspiration for set ups that can house babies/...

tortoiseforum.org

Lastly, this one here is good to go over and keep on hand, it’ll help you avoid the wrong bulbs, substrates, housing etc, I always encourage double checking purchases on the forum too before buying

Common keeping errors

Hello everyone! I’d been a long time lurker on this site long before joining just under a year ago now, over that time I’ve seen these husbandry issues come up time and time again, sometimes with dire consequences☹️ I thought this thread might serve as a good visual guide for these common...

tortoiseforum.org

Hope they help! I’ll definitely be sharing the tutorial on the forum once it’s uploaded

Thank you for all the information. Yea I have been on this forum for about a week now just reading all the information that is offered. So glad this is here.

 

[cfoster0556]

Welcome to the Forum!

I really respect that you are wanting to get the enclosure established before getting the tortoise! That deserves a gold star!

RedFoots are a tropical species and need to have consistent 84% humidity - or higher, and 84F/29C or higher temps, all the time. Your tortoise will be able to spend some time outside, but your climate won't allow it to actually live outside and thrive. Be prepared to have it be inside most of its life.
(My climate is worse than yours so my RedFoot only gets occasional visits outside.)

Make the largest enclosure you can. If you get a hatchling, something smaller will do for the first year or two. An adult needs as much space as you can provide. 4" x 8" is a bare minimum. They need to walk around a lot to digest food well. And they need to have soaking spots in the enclosure, too (water dishes as deep as where their top and bottom shell come together and big enough across to easily turn around in - terracotta plant saucers are best). Plus hiding places. Bigger is always better.


They are a beautiful species! Looking forward to chatting for many years to come.

Thank you so much for the information. I am definitely trying to soak in all the information I can. There is so much, but I love it. Definitely want to give the little guy the best home possible before he is introduced to my big little family.

 

[RandyTortoise]

Honestly, not that bad. I am curious with the cost of materials these days would it be cheaper to purchase that instead? Love the layout of it. So everything was included to where you just had to get the amenities inside for your tortoise to make it homey?

It actually was better than I expected in terms of quality, design and use. I never say this, but near perfect.

You wouldn’t be able to put one together yourself. It is very far advanced in my opinion. I can’t believe this guy can do this level of mfg quality alone at his house. He takes some time to mfg and ship it, but this is one time I felt like I really did get what I paid for and was surprised at how wonderful it is. And I complain about most everything in life!

It holds humidity and controls temperature very accurately with a simple app on my phone and the temp adjustments on the units. I love it.

 

[OkAdiza]

Welcome! If you aren't able to get one of Mark's fantastic Smart Enclosures (still wish I could have), you could try this tutorial by forum member Sterant. Building your own Expanded PVC enclosure

 

[wellington]

Thank you so much for the information. I am definitely trying to soak in all the information I can. There is so much, but I love it. Definitely want to give the little guy the best home possible before he is introduced to my big little family.

Actually, raising the humidity in most outdoor areas is done with misters and sprinklers. You can then make a humid night box for her/him to sleep in at night or bring it in to a humid sleeping area. Tortoises should always be able to live the majority of it's life outside, just takes added work in some areas.low plants will help outside with humidity when using the misters/sprinklers.
Also be aware that RF get fungus and shell rot easily from always being on damp substrate. Be sure to keep top layer dry but still holding high humidity

 

[wellington]

Welcome to the Forum!

I really respect that you are wanting to get the enclosure established before getting the tortoise! That deserves a gold star!

RedFoots are a tropical species and need to have consistent 84% humidity - or higher, and 84F/29C or higher temps, all the time. Your tortoise will be able to spend some time outside, but your climate won't allow it to actually live outside and thrive. Be prepared to have it be inside most of its life.
(My climate is worse than yours so my RedFoot only gets occasional visits outside.)

Make the largest enclosure you can. If you get a hatchling, something smaller will do for the first year or two. An adult needs as much space as you can provide. 4" x 8" is a bare minimum. They need to walk around a lot to digest food well. And they need to have soaking spots in the enclosure, too (water dishes as deep as where their top and bottom shell come together and big enough across to easily turn around in - terracotta plant saucers are best). Plus hiding places. Bigger is always better.


They are a beautiful species! Looking forward to chatting for many years to come.

Misters and sprinklers should be used to up humidity in the outdoor area and provide a humid night box either inside or out for sleeping. Lots of low plants will help to with humidity when using misters/sprinklers. They should be able to live the majority of their life outside when temps permit as adults.